Sowing Spilanthes Indoors

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea, formerly Spilanthes oleracea or S. acemella), sometimes also known commonly as the eyeball plant, toothache plant, para cress or buzz buttons, is a flowering, herbaceous annual used both as an ornamental and as an herb. This plant is relatively easy to grow from seed, with no special treatment requirements and a high germination rate. Seeds that are properly planted and cared for will generally germinate within seven to 14 days.

1

Fill a planting flat or similar containers that have plenty of holes for drainage almost full with a sterile, low-fertility seed-starting, or germinating, mixture. These soil-less mixtures are commercially available or made at home by combining, for example, equal parts peat moss and sand, perlite or vermiculite.

2

Water or mist the medium in the container, thoroughly moistening it.

3

Sprinkle the spilanthes seeds evenly over the surface of the medium.

4

Cover the seeds with a very light dusting of vermiculite or germinating mix. The seeds require light to germinate; a very thin layer of vermiculite allows ample light penetration while helping to hold moisture around the seeds.

5

Mist the seeds lightly after sowing them and as needed prior to germination so that the surface of the medium remains constantly slightly moist, but not wet. Once seedlings emerge, decrease the frequency of misting so that the surface of the medium is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

6

Cover the container with a plastic or glass lid or enclose it in a plastic bag after planting seeds. This will help to maintain high humidity around the seeds and minimize the need for misting. Once seedlings emerge, remove any lid or bag covering the seeds.

7

Place the container with the medium and seeds where it will receive bright, indirect light. The location should provide temperatures between about 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

8

Transplant the young spilanthes into pots or outdoors once they have two pairs of true leaves. Use a flat object inserted under the seedling's roots to lift the young plant out, holding onto it only by its leaves, if necessary, and positioning them at the same depth they were previously growing at. Plant the young spilanthes in larger containers or spaced 12 inches apart in the ground. Use a high-quality potting soil or work an organic matter like well-rotted compost or aged manure into the ground prior to planting, as this herb prefers well-drained, rich soil.